Downloads

Welcome to the Bass Blog free downloads page! If you have material that you would like to contribute to this downloadable archive, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Transcriptions (PDF)

Transcriptions by Kirsten Paige:
Beethoven Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, op. 24 (the “Spring Sonata”) – PDF

Schubert Violin Sonata, D. 384

Transcriptions by Jason Heath

Eccles Sonata in A Minor (solo tuning version) for Double Bass and Piano – PDF

from Miloslav Gajdos

Technique (PDF)

Max Dimoff Warm-Up Packet

Cleveland Orchestra principal bass Max Dimoff has a rigorous technical routine that he has developed for double bass players. You can check it out by clicking the link above.


This five page packet introduces more advanced techniques, including double stop and thumb position exercises, shiftless scales in thumb position with different fingerings, 3 note progressive scales in thumb position, advanced fingering string crossing exercises and more.
Miloslav Gajdos Bowing Packet

Gajdos single string bowing variations – cleaner copy

Czech bass virtuoso and master teacher Miloslav Gajdos has adapted the Sevcik School of Bowing for the double bass in this concise packet. The exercises are organized into ten groups for daily practice.

Scales (PDF)

Here are fingering charts for one and two octave scales with no fingerings at all. That way, you can add your own without a lot of unnecessary scribbling.

Three octave scales:

My fingerings

Double Bass Interviews

Check out our constantly evolving archive of double bass audio interviews with luminaries from all musical genres. Once on this page, individual guests may be selected (each is pictured next to their name and occupation). We add to this archive on a weekly basis, so check back frequently for more content!
Take me to the archive >>

Double Bass Performances

Visit our Contrabass Conversations archive for weekly performances from double bassists across the globe! Classical, jazz, bluegrass, and electric bassists are all featured, and available offerings may be searched by guest or keyword.
Take me to the archive >>

Double Bass Video Lessons

We have several multi-part video lessons available. These may be viewed online or can be downloaded. Links are available to download each individual video (viewable on your computer, iPod, or other portable media device), and all available videos can be downloaded automatically by subscribing to our Contrabass Conversations feed.
Take me to the archive >>

Orchestral Audition Audio Study Guides

Listen to and follow along with double bassist John Grillo as he takes listeners through the standard orchestral audition repertoire for the double bass. Includes both audio double bass excerpts and dialogue. (1 hr 18 min)
Take me to the study guide >>

Jazz Practice Tracks from PlayJazzNow.com

Bill Harrison from PlayJazzNow.com has made some sample tracks available to Bass Blog readers. Just click the downloads tab to check out these tracks for yourself. At PlayJazzNow.com there are tracks available for all instruments. These particular tracks allow the jazz bassist to practice walking bass lines and solos.

Put them on your iPod or other portable MP3 player, practice from your computer, or burn them to CD. Very useful–definitely the next generation of jazz pedagogical tools!

Check out these tracks here (or under the downloads tab):

Bb Blues with piano and drums

Click to listen or download

Major Turnaround in C with piano and drums

Click to listen or download

Practice Tracks (MP3)

Jazz Practice Tracks (MP3)

Staff Paper (PDF)


Contribute to the DDB.org download archive! email jasonheath -at- doublebassblog.org

Subscribe to our podcast!

Contrabass Conversations

Blog highlights

Crazy Gig Stories

Network with us!

SMR double basses

Guarneri House
The American String Project Amazon link for Road Warrior

DoubleBassBlog.org – An Inside the Arts Blog

Inside The Arts Your cultural blogging exchange
Adaptistration Drew McManus on orchestra management
Brian Dickie Life as General Director of Chicago Opera Theater
Butts In The Seats Musings on Practical Solutions For Arts Management (Joe Patti)
Double Bass Blog Jason Heath on all things bass and culture from the ground up
Neo Classical Holly Mulcahy on the future of classical music
non divisi Frank Almond writes a column instead of practicing
Scanning The Dial Marty Ronish and Jack Allen on classical music in broadcasting
Sticks and Drones Two conductors, on the beat with Bill Eddins and Ron Spigelman
There's Always Room For Cello The adventures of Rosin Hood; he stays on the pitch and gives you the score (Lynn Harrell)

Categories